Mad in Germany Germany's Russia Problem / Geopolitical Crisis ft. Oliver Moody
Oliver Moody: Russia, Germany's Security Blindspot & the Baltic Warning
Could Russia really strike Berlin? Times correspondent Oliver Moody reveals why Germany has catastrophically underestimated the threat from the East, how "Wandel durch Handel" became a strategic trap, and what the Baltic states can teach Europe about deterrence in the new era of great power conflict.
We explore:
⚡ Russia would target Berlin first — why a Baltic war wouldn't stay in the Baltics
⚡ Germany as NATO's weak link — the political shock war would bring to German society
⚡ "Wandel durch Handel" backfired — how transformation through trade transformed Germany instead
⚡ The Petersburg Dialogue deception — how Russia played German elites for decades
⚡ Nord Stream's strategic mistake — the new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
⚡ Merkel's profitable illusion — cheap Russian gas, Chinese exports, American security
⚡ Baltic lessons for Europe — what northeastern Europe knows that Berlin doesn't
"Germany thought they were building civil society ties to nudge Russia toward liberal democracy. They were absolutely played."
"There's still latent desire in German media to restart the gas flow and rebuild the relationship."
👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations: / @madingermany
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
#MadInGermany #OliverMoody #Russia #Germany #Geopolitics #NATO #BalticStates #NordStream #Ukraine #EuropeanSecurity #TheTimes #WandelDurchHandel #Putin #Merkel #ForeignPolicy #DefensePolicy
CREDITS
Mad in Germany
Host: James Jackson
Guest: Oliver Moody (Times Berlin Correspondent, Author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe")
Editor: Luardo Eduardo Gamero
Producer: Lya Cuellar
Thumbnail: Kern Mangan-Walker
🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes.
❤️ Support Mad in Germany:
https://www.patreon.com/c/madingermanypod
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Introduction — Oliver Moody on Germany's geopolitical blindspot
00:03:15 Would Russia attack the Baltics? — The real threat assessment
00:06:40 Germany as prime target — Why Berlin would be hit first
00:10:20 Germany's peace tradition — Soft on Russia politics and historical baggage
00:15:45 "Wandel durch Handel" — How transformation through trade backfired
00:22:30 The Petersburg Dialogue — Russia's strategic manipulation of German elites
00:28:15 Nord Stream pipelines — The new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
00:35:50 Merkel's profitable illusion — Cheap gas, Chinese markets, American protection
00:42:20 Germany's Russia problem — Elite capture and commercial self-interest
00:48:10 NATO's deterrence challenge — What war in Europe would really look like
00:55:30 Baltic lessons — What northeastern Europe can teach the West
ABOUT OLIVER MOODY
Oliver Moody is The Times' Berlin correspondent and author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe" (published in German as "Konflikt an der Ostsee"). His book examines geopolitics in northeastern Europe and what the West can learn from the Baltic states' approach to Russian aggression and deterrence strategy.
As a correspondent covering Germany and European security, Moody provides in-depth analysis of Germany's Russia policy, NATO dynamics, and the strategic challenges facing Europe in an era of renewed great power competition. His reporting combines on-the-ground journalism with deep geopolitical insight into one of the world's most volatile regions.
Note: This conversation was recorded in December 2024. While some specific geopolitical developments have occurred since then, the strategic analysis of Germany's position and European security dynamics remains highly relevant.
Thumbnail image is not AI generated.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on Mad in Germany are their own and do not reflect those of the producers or its licensees. The appearance of this programme on social media platforms does not imply endorsement. The producers disclaim any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures is based on publicly available information and does not imply wrongdoing.
The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.